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Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI

10.3906/sag-0812-12

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common condition in healthy people, causing morbidity and mortality worldwide despite latest advances in therapy and immunization procedures. Causative agents cannot be detected in approximately 50% of CAP episodes and therapy is initiated empirically. We aimed to determine the spectrum and frequency of the causative agents in patients with CAP in a university hospital. Materials and methods: Seventy seven adult patients hospitalized with CAP from November 2007 to March 2008 were included. CAP was diagnosed with clinical, radiological, and laboratory signs. Results: Sputum and blood cultures grew Streptococcus pneumoniae in 15 specimens; Haemophilus influenzae in 4, Klebsiella pneumoniae in 4, Staphylococcus aureus in 3, and Escherichia coli in 2. Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA was detected in serum from 10 patients with RT-PCR. Legionella pneumophila urinary antigen was detected in 5 patients. Serological IgM antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae in 7 patients and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in 2 patients were observed. Etiology was not determined in 32.5% of patients. The most frequently identified pathogens causing CAP were S. pneumoniae, M. pneumoniae, and C. pneumoniae in descending order in our hospital. Conclusion: Although determination of causative agents in all CAP patients has not been accomplished, knowledge of the spectrum and frequency of local causative agents are valuable for targeted therapy.

First Page

47

Last Page

52

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